Articles tagged with Animal Habitats
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
Honeycreepers' high-altitude refuges are vulnerable to disease invasion and habitat loss as temperatures rise, putting species at risk of extinction. The USGS predicts that climate change will displace these refuge areas, forcing birds to migrate into higher disease transmission zones.
A new tool helps decision-makers determine when and how to use managed relocation, a strategy considered too radical for serious consideration in the past. The approach involves moving species into more accommodating habitats where they are not currently found.
Researchers found that connecting habitat patches with corridors increases plant biodiversity in protected areas and surrounding non-target habitats. This spillover effect can elevate biodiversity by up to 160%.
Research by NC State University biologist Dr. Nick Haddad and colleagues found that landscape corridors connecting isolated habitat patches increased plant species beyond the area itself. The study showed that corridors caused a significant spillover effect, especially among bird-dispersed plants, leading to broader conservation benefits.
The Protected Areas Database – United States (PAD-US) is a national inventory of protected lands in the US. The database contains information on over 22,000 highly protected areas, covering 15% of the country's land area.
A study in Evolution Canyon, Israel, shows that scorpion species exhibit different distributions on the south-facing and north-facing slopes, despite identical regional geology. The results suggest that environmental pressures, such as sunlight and drought, can lead to local changes in biodiversity.
The study found that vegetation cover has increased over the past 65 years, leading to a decrease in bare sandstone habitat critical for broad-headed snakes. Regular controlled burns could open up the forest canopy and prevent tree seedling establishment, benefiting the endangered species.
A UK study shows that predicting population spread and conserving habitats can help threatened species survive environmental change. The silver-spotted skipper butterfly's recovery over 18 years highlights the importance of preserving chalk grasslands in southern England.
Researchers found that translocation to climatically-suitable areas can help butterflies survive beyond their northern ranges. The study showed that assisted colonisation can play a vital role in wildlife conservation, especially for rare species and those with limited mobility.
A new study reveals that airborne laser elevation (lidar) surveys provide a 10-fold improvement in topographical feature measurement precision. This technology adds greater clarity to mapping streams and rivers, allowing for better habitat analysis and restoration. The results have significant implications for various fields such as fo...
A new article suggests that gorilla lice evolved to infest pubic hair around 3.3 million years ago, possibly due to human-gorilla contact. This divergence occurred despite humans and gorillas diverging from a common ancestor at least 7 million years ago.
A new study by University of California, Berkeley biologists reveals that many common salamander species have plummeted in Central America, contradicting previous attributions to habitat destruction and pesticides. Instead, researchers believe global warming is driving these species to higher elevations where habitats become inhospitable.
A new study reveals that black wolves, the first genetically modified predators, have adapted to changing environments thanks to human dog breeding. The trait, which originated from domesticated dogs, has proven valuable for wolf populations as their arctic habitats shrink.
Two federal scientists, Martin Raphael and Eric Forsman, have won national awards for their research on the habitat and ecology of the marbled murrelet and the northern spotted owl. Their work emphasizes a strong partnership between research and management to improve the status of these bird species.
Climate change and mosquito adaptation could lead to the expansion of dengue fever vectors in Australia, increasing disease transmission risk. The researchers' Niche Mapper software predicts suitable habitats for the mosquitoes will increase across the continent by 2050.
Researchers found that key ecological threats can be detected in advance, allowing for swift policy change. Monitoring and analysis of ecosystem data are crucial to preventing regime shifts and averting ecological harm. The study's findings offer a new approach to predicting environmental disaster and informing conservation efforts.
A new University of Missouri study examines the effect of golf courses on salamander populations, finding suitable habitats for species native to the area. The researchers propose managing landscapes for human recreation and biodiversity preservation, creating a win-win situation for stakeholders and wildlife.
Researchers at Washington University found that corridors improve species diversity in fragmented landscapes, with birds and wind-dispersed plants responding positively to connectivity. Surprisingly, unassisted plant species also benefited from corridor presence, suggesting possible assistance from mammals.
A new study from Texas Christian and Louisiana State universities finds that shrimp trawling operations in the Gulf of Mexico are linked to higher levels of toxic mercury in juvenile red snappers. The research demonstrates a clear relationship between mercury concentrations and coastal areas where commercial shrimp trawling occurs.
New research on Galapagos land iguanas reveals reduced genetic diversity in some populations, putting them at risk from future environmental changes. The study's findings highlight the need for effective management and conservation strategies to ensure the long-term survival of these unique reptiles.
A new acoustic underwater camera system developed by the US Department of Defense is being used to study the juvenile goliath grouper in mangrove habitats. The technology allows researchers to visualize individual fish species and habitat without light or visibility conditions, providing critical information for conservation efforts.
A comprehensive study on Puerto Rico's freshwater fish species has been conducted by NC State researchers, identifying key features that support native populations and distinguishing those susceptible to invasion. The study aims to inform conservation efforts and management decisions for the island's fisheries.
Researchers found that small habitat patches, when connected in a network, can support species requiring larger habitats and facilitate movement between patches. This approach offers a promising tool for preserving ecological functions in fragmented landscapes.
Researchers at Queen's University Belfast trace the family tree of octopuses, revealing a link between climate change and their global distribution. The study suggests that many deep-sea species evolved from Antarctic ancestors, highlighting the impact of thermohaline circulation on marine biodiversity.
Researchers will catalog and preserve diverse mollusk species in the Philippines, aiming to discover new products for central nervous system disorders, cancer, and antimicrobial drugs. The project also seeks to develop cellulosic biofuels production using enzymes from shipworms.
Researchers from WCS have gathered data on Myanmar's tiger and smaller carnivore populations using remote camera traps, revealing estimates of 7-70 tigers in the Hukaung Tiger Reserve. The study also confirms the existence of 18 smaller carnivores across various habitats.
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has partnered with the Dauphin Island Sea Lab to conduct extensive habitat restoration, monitoring, and research along the Alabama coast. The partnership will utilize $1.5 million in funding to construct shoreline restoration projects and monitor their efficacy.
A new study using ecological niche modeling found that small mammals on mountaintops in the Great Basin are not as isolated as previously believed. The research used climate data to 'backcast' species distributions at the height of the last ice age, finding most species lived at lower elevations and had larger ranges.
A new study suggests that Burmese pythons will not be able to find suitable habitats outside of South Florida, despite initial predictions by the USGS. The researchers used advanced climate models to predict the potential distribution of the snakes in the US and found that they are limited to the vicinity of the Everglades.
A comprehensive review of the world's 634 kinds of primates found almost 50% at risk of extinction, with habitat destruction and hunting being major threats. Conservationists highlight successes in helping targeted species recover, but stress the urgent need for reforestation to protect remaining populations.
Rising temperatures can lead to an increase in dry, desert-like conditions, affecting species' survival and natural resources. Climate change scientists warn that individual species indicate wider changes at the biome level, potentially altering ecosystem services for humans.
The Leptotyphlops carlae is the world's smallest known snake species, with adults measuring just under four inches in length. This tiny threadsnake was discovered by Blair Hedges in a forest fragment on Barbados and is believed to be rare due to habitat destruction.
An international research team developed a model to identify suitable habitats and corridors for the European wildcat. Almost half of Rheinland-Pfalz is considered suitable habitat, enabling a maximum population of 1600 females.
Researchers are studying how climate change affects early life stages of fish in two ocean environments off the coasts of New Jersey and Long Island. Using real-time data and advanced technology, they are developing models to aid fisheries research and management, with a focus on habitat effects and growth.
Researchers found that migratory songbirds can learn from the songs of successful birds, leading them to choose habitats with high reproductive potential. This complex communication ability suggests that songbirds may be more than just visually selecting habitats.
A new study shows that shallow water corals originated from deep-sea animals that invaded and diversified in shallow waters. The researchers found evidence of this transition in DNA and fossils, revealing an arms-race between corals and their predators as they built skeletal defenses.
Researchers at Oregon State University successfully relocated Caspian terns to a new nesting site at Crump Lake, finding over 135 nesting pairs. The move aims to reduce the birds' impact on threatened and endangered salmon populations in the Columbia River estuary.
A new study reveals that closely related species tend to avoid living together due to intense competition for food and shelter. This separation is crucial for the survival of individual species.
A new method by MIT researchers distinguishes between large groups of microbes based on their ecological niches. By analyzing genetic data and habitat preferences, scientists can now classify microbes with greater accuracy.
Researchers discovered extensive deep-sea coral habitats off the coast of North Carolina, containing commercially valuable fish populations and many newly discovered species. The reefs are important habitats for several species and contain historical data about changing ocean climate and productivity.
Researchers demonstrate that a simple method using river network geometry and rainfall data can accurately predict fish species diversity patterns in the Mississippi-Missouri basin. The model, which uses just four parameters, captures complex biodiversity patterns without referencing individual fish species.
Conservation efforts in Madagascar could avert catastrophic biodiversity loss with pro-active programs. The country harbors
A two-year study is underway to collect data on ichthyoplankton in the St. Johns River, aiming to predict vulnerability to water withdrawals and environmental changes.
Scientists from CSIRO tracked and mapped the habitats of 50 gulper sharks, swellsharks, and green eye dogfish near Port Lincoln, South Australia. The research aimed to evaluate the conservation value of closed areas designed to protect vulnerable shark species.
A new analysis maps the best remaining habitats for thousands of rare species in Madagascar, a biodiversity hotspot with over 2,300 endemic species. The study prioritizes regions most vital for saving the greatest number of species, including lemurs and other unique species.
A new study by CSIRO scientists warns that climate change will force environmental scientists to rethink their approach to conservation. Temperatures over Australia are projected to rise by about 1 ºC by 2030, and 1.8 ºC by 2070, relative to 1990 levels.
A new essay proposes revising protected area categories to reflect biodiversity outcomes, with potential huge implications for preserving the earth's rapidly diminishing biodiversity. The change aims to make significant gains in biodiversity conservation and stanch species loss, habitat destruction, and ecosystem services degradation.
A new study reveals that tropical winter habitat plays a crucial role in determining where young migratory birds settle and nest. Birds that spend their first winter in lush habitats disperse southward, while those in harsher habitats disperse northward.
Researchers discovered that young birds' first winter environment plays a crucial role in determining their lifetime breeding grounds. The study suggests that access to water in the winter habitat is a critical factor in shaping their future migrations.
A new digital mapping approach is being used to visualize and analyze vulnerable marine habitats, helping authorities make management decisions that balance competing interests. The method, developed by Dr. Suzana Dragicevic, uses mathematical optimization to find common ground between commercial fisheries and conservation communities.
Studies show that stylasterids, or lace corals, diversified in deep waters before launching successful invasions of shallow water habitats. This contradicts the long-established theory that corals and other marine animals evolved in shallow water.
A new Nature Conservancy study finds that converting land for biofuel crops results in significant carbon emissions and worsening the problem of global warming. The study analyzed various benefits of using biofuels as alternatives to oil but found they fall short of the carbon losses, leading to a 'carbon debt'.
A study found that elephants' browsing activities create hiding places and twisted crevices in trees, which boost lizard densities. The research suggests that elephants play a crucial role in shaping the ecosystem, particularly in African wildlife refuges.
The Global Environment Facility is providing an additional $20 million to protect unique and threatened areas like island ecosystems and temperate forests. This funding will support conservation efforts in biodiversity hotspots, home to half of all terrestrial plants and animals.
Researchers have identified potential habitats in the central and northern Sierra Nevada Mountains for reintroducing California fishers, a rare and elusive carnivore. The study suggests caution in implementing reintroduction efforts due to limited connectivity and distance from existing populations.
A team of scientists has discovered that older adults in the Seychelles warbler population help raise their children's grandchildren, providing an alternative route for co-operative breeding. This behavior is thought to be an effective strategy for birds prevented from breeding due to habitat loss.
A new study suggests that Thailand's Western Forest Complex can potentially support around 2,000 tigers, with an estimated 720 tigers currently inhabiting the area. Improved enforcement and safeguarding measures are crucial for making these numbers a reality and ensuring the long-term survival of this iconic species.
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation has awarded a major grant to the Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences to support shorebird conservation programs. The Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network will conduct conservation activities at 68 sites in nine nations, with a focus on addressing declines in shorebird populations.
A MSU Ph.D. candidate is tracking up to four wild pandas in the Sichuan Province of China using advanced global positioning systems to map their habitat preferences, providing crucial data for conservation efforts.
Climate change is projected to cause significant bird extinctions, with up to 30% of land bird species predicted to go extinct by 2100. Habitat shifts and topography play a crucial role in this process, as species are forced to adapt to changing environmental conditions.